What if we told you there was an easy, effective way of waterproofing your basement walls that was long lasting and could boost structural integrity? Even better, it’s cost effective and easy to apply too. Thanks to the wonders of chemistry, that’s exactly what crystalline waterproofing offers.
What Is Crystalline Waterproofing?
Crystalline Waterproofing is a method of blocking up the natural pores and micro-cracks in concrete which can allow water a path through it. It chemically reacts with water to form tiny, insoluble crystals, physically blocking the path that water follows. This means that a major source of water intrusion is blocked off, leaving you with a nice dry wall.
Sometimes this involves applying a substance over the bare concrete of your basement walls, allowing you to deal with issues like seepage. Alternatively, the crystalline solution can be mixed directly into the concrete before it’s poured, giving the waterproofing benefits from the get-go.
As the solution reacts with water, the result is a self-sealing, long-lasting protection. As water finds its way in, the crystalline compound is reactivated, creating more crystals, improving the effect with time and exposure. There are also signs that it helps bolster structural integrity by slightly reinforcing your concrete and is resistant to both positive and negative pressure.
Applications of Crystalline Waterproofing For Basements
Crystalline waterproofing solutions can be harnessed in three ways when it comes to boosting a basements waterproofing.
Mixing with Concrete
Some crystalline solutions are suitable for use as an additive to poured concrete, just like fibers and colorants. This makes them particularly useful when:
- Building a new basement
- Replacing a floor slab
- Extending or digging down
The advantages of using a crystalline additive are mostly that it incorporates the effect deep within the walls and right from the start. This means that water doesn’t have time to work its damaging magic before you notice, taking the pressure off your other waterproofing systems.
Exterior Application
Alternatively, the crystalline solution can be painted on to the exterior of your basement walls. As access to your foundations exteriors is limited, this is best done during construction, though it can be done while other work is taking place.
Applying an exterior coat of crystalline waterproofing allows your basement walls to better block exterior sources of water.
Interior Application
If your basement has already been built and you’re facing water intrusion, an interior application of crystalline waterproofing might be the answer. It’s great for dealing with leaky, damp walls and retrofitting older basements into new livable spaces.
The process goes like this:
- The area is cleaned, going back to bare concrete.
- The crystalline solution is painted on and allowed to sink in
- This may be repeated as many as 3 times
- Once dry the wall can be refinished
It’s that simple.
While water may still find a way into the walls, it’ll be much harder for it to find a way through them into your space.
Different Methods Of Crystalline Waterproofing
While the basic principle of creating a chemical reaction between the concrete of a structure and the water threatening it remains the same, there are a variety of different methods which can be harnessed. Depending on the task at hand, different methods may be more or less suitable.
Integral Crystalline Waterproofing Admixtures
When using an admixture, the crystalline waterproofing is incorporated directly into the concrete itself. This gives the advantage of uniform protection, quicker construction times and protecting the structure from the moment it cures.
It’s ideally used during larger scale operations and construction projects such as commercial buildings. That being said, it could be used when pouring a new slab or extending a pre-existing building too.
Topical Crystalline Coating
A topical coating involves applying a slurry of crystalline waterproofing solution over the surface of an already built wall. Depending on the product being used this could be sprayed or painted on by hand.
This offers a long-lasting solution to waterproofing locations such as water-tanks, basements and tunnels. Best of all, it actually gets more effective over time as exposure to moisture will reactivate the solution, forming new crystals.
Dry Shake Crystalline Application
Dry shake crystalline waterproofing comes in a powdered form which is spread across freshly laid concrete before final finishing. This allows it to penetrate deeply while still providing a smooth surface and can help eliminate the need for membrane waterproofing on thicker floor slabs.
It’s best used on surfaces which need to be smooth and won’t flex. This includes basement floors, slabs and parking structures.
Advantages of Crystalline Waterproofing over Traditional Methods
While there is much to recommend the traditional methods of membranes and good drainage, crystalline waterproofing has a number of advantages. It doesn’t totally do away with the need for other systems, but it covers a lot of bases:
Durability
Whichever form of crystalline waterproofing you add, it is amongst the most durable solutions to water intrusion. Thanks to the fact that it reactivates when exposed to moisture, it’s effectively self-sealing meaning that it actually gets more effective as time passes.
When compared to membranes and barriers, this is a distinct edge as those will eventually degrade.
Cost Effectiveness
When compared to other methods of waterproofing a basement, crystalline waterproofing has two distinct cost advantages:
- It’s quick to apply and doesn’t require any extra work. This vastly reduces labor costs.
- It doesn’t require much maintenance. This keeps on-going costs to a minimum.
In comparison to membranes and barriers or new drains, which require expensive and time-consuming excavations, crystalline is quick and effective. In the long-run, all the other methods will require maintenance or replacement, whereas crystalline solutions increase in effectiveness over time.
Versatility
Whether you’re looking to an existing structure or building an entirely new one, crystalline waterproofing has a role to play. It’s also effective in both positive and negative water pressure situations, giving it a versatility that other solutions just can’t match.
How to Choose The Right Crystalline Waterproofing Method For Your Basement
Working out which method of crystalline waterproofing is best for your particular situation requires weighing out the various factors of the job at hand. Are you looking to waterproof an older basement or building a new one? What are the usual water table levels and how do they change under heavy rains? What are the soil conditions like around your home?
All of these questions will feed into which (if any) crystalline waterproofing solution is best for your basement. There’s no point in going through the disruption and expense of pouring a new slab to incorporate a crystalline admixture when a topical application will do the job.
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re building something new or carrying out extensive works which involve new concrete, it’s worth considering admixtures and dry shakes. Otherwise, a topical application is likely to make more sense. Consulting with a professional means that you can rest assured that all of these factors and more will be taken into account.
Why Choose Professional Installation For Your Crystalline Waterproofing?
While on the surface of it, applying crystalline waterproofing as a topical solution should be straightforward, there are nuances to the job. Bringing in a professional will ensure that all the potential complexities and precision required is kept in hand. Put simply, they’ll take the stress out of it all and when dealing with water intrusion, that’s nothing to sniff at.
Furthermore, a professional will be able to make suggestions about other systems which may benefit your basement. Whether this is complimenting the crystalline waterproofing with a new perimeter drain or maintaining your sump pump, they’ll help you get the most from your space.
Even if you do decide to go the DIY route, it’s well worth checking in with the pros before you hit the hardware store. They’ll be able to let you know if you’re wasting your time and money and be able to suggest products and solutions you may have missed.
It’s worth shopping around and weighing up the costs and benefits from various companies. Check out reviews and ask friends, neighbors and the internet for recommendations.
In Conclusion
Crystalline waterproofing is a straightforward, cost-effective and above all effective way of heading off the threat of water intrusion. It can help turn a basement from a dank pit into a wonderful, livable space, promoting health and structural integrity throughout the home. By keeping water where it should be through the power of chemistry, you increase your home’s value and longevity.